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New Tesla Model 3 versus used Tesla Model S: verdict

There's no bad car here, so you can pick which one suits your lifestyle and budget best, but the Model 3’s lower costs sway it for us

Tesla Model 3 versus Model S
Verdict rating

4.5 out of 5

 First place: Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 really is as significant a car as the Model S was when it arrived. It takes all of the Model S’ great aspects and makes them more accessible, and it’s that accessibility that secures the win here.

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The monthly finance in particular will make a Model 3 more affordable for a lot of people, where the Model S may remain out of reach even on the used market.

Added to that the interior design, faster charging capacity, impressive equipment levels and a tidy, enjoyable handling and comfort, and we’re totally sold on it.

Second place: Tesla Model S

This is still one of the best electric cars out there, and it does feel a class above the Model 3. It comes with a sense of ‘Lording It’ over others that the daintier Model 3 misses out on.

Not only that, the space and performance are good enough reasons on their own to justify a full-fat Model S (although the 3 Performance can of course punch just as hard as most S variants).

It’s money that sways it in the end. Not only finance, but even buying outright you can be looking at a lot more for a used S than a new 3, and that’s enough to tip the scales in the smaller car’s favour.

Specs

2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus

2017 Tesla Model S 75D

Price

£40,990

from £40,000 (estimated)

Electric motor(s)

Single

Dual

Power

245bhp

362bhp

Torque

375Nm

660Nm

Transmission

Single-speed auto, rear-wheel drive

Single-speed auto, four-wheel drive

0-60/30-70mph (on test)

5.8/4.5s

4.3/3.5s

Top speed

124mph

124mph

Braking (70-0/60-0/30-0mph, on test)

47.9/35.5/8.8m

42.8/35.6/12.3m

Energy consumption (on test)

4.3 miles/kWh

3.1 miles/kWh

At-home charge cost (13p/kWh)

£7.00

£10.50

Tailpipe CO2 emissions

0g/km

0g/km

Road tax

£0

£320 (years 2-6)

Length

4,694mm

4,979mm

Width

1,849mm

1,964mm

Height

1,443mm

1,445mm

Wheelbase

2,875mm

2,960mm

Boot volume

425 litres

748 litres

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